Perspectives By Nancee

Monday, November 25, 2013

Review & Giveaway!
Aloha Rose

Quilts of Love Series

by Lisa Carter

4.0 out of 5 stars Lokelani Rose

Description

When Laney Carrigan’s adoptive parents encourage her as an adult to seek out her birth family, her only clue is the Lokelani quilt in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island, she battles fears of rejection from a family that abandoned her once before while her faith struggles to embrace God's love.

Along the path to her true heritage, she meets Hawaiian cowboy/helicopter pilot, Kai Barnes. Kai is determined to protect the people he’s come to regard as family against a woman he suspects of being nothing more than a gold-digger, but he finds himself drawn to Laney in spite of his reservations. He's spent his entire life seeking forgiveness from past mistakes and longs for a second chance at happiness. Laney’s painstaking journey to find restoration and a place to belong among the breathtaking allure of the Big Island will lead her closer to her past and maybe even something more.

Purchase this book at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com $11.22

http://www.barnesandnoble.com $10.99

http://www.christianbook.com $9.99

http://www.deepershopping.com $8.44

Biography

Lisa Carter was always the child who made up epic tales involving prairie schooners or interplanetary voyages for the neighborhood kids to re-enact during summer vacation. Now as a speaker, vocalist, teacher and writer, Lisa shares her own journey of faith regarding God's sufficiency for every need.

As a Southern romantic suspense writer--Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder--she has definite opinions on serious issues like barbeque, ACC basketball and the whole Pepsi vs. Coke controversy. Carolina Reckoning, her debut novel, released August 2013.

She and her husband have two daughters and make their home in North Carolina. When she isn't writing, Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales such as the Big Island, Hawaii--the setting for her next novel, Aloha Rose, releasing November 2013. She also enjoys quilting and researching her next exotic adventure.

http://www.lisacarterauthor.com/index.html

https://www.facebook.com/lisa.carter.1272?fref=ts

My Review ~

Photographs of a Hawaiian baby quilt posted on the Internet brought results in Laney Carrigan's search for her biological family. Laney had been left with her adoptive family on the mainland as an infant, wrapped in the traditional Hawaiian appliqued quilt. Once the connection was made with Laney's biological family she traveled to Maui to meet the family she had never known. With issues of abandonment Laney was hesitant about the meeting. Her Aunti Teah's foster son, Kai Barnes had suspicious concerns about Laney's interest in the family, and made his point clear. Kai's pernicious mindset stemmed from a tour in Afghanistan as a search and rescue specialist suffering from PTSD. Consequently Laney's introduction to her family of origin was a bumpy ride filled with stress and vexation. How would she ever fit in with this mix of family members with whom she has nothing in common aside from Hawaiian roots? Will she and Kai be able to spend time on the same property with any sense of respect or friendliness? With endless questions and concerns Laney decided to give herself a day at a time to see which direction this relationship with her "family" would go, with the return plane ticket kept close if she felt the need to retreat back to the states and her career as a free lance writer.

Aloha Rose is a multi-layered story with subplots paralleling the main plot. There is a lot of activity and a bit of chaos as the story begins, and I felt a bit like Laney, wondering if I had landed in the right place at the right time. Several characters are introduced into the story, Laney and her adoptive family, and on the island of Maui, her Hawaiian family. Descriptions of the beauty that is Hawaii were well done and educational. The diversity of the island was described in a way that I felt the atmosphere of the island without having been there. Lisa Carter's descriptive talents brought Maui to life. Numerous issues were broached through this book, such as abandonment, adoption, PTSD, Alzheimer's disease, dysfunctional family matters and issues of faith. The author imports numerous emotions throughout the book leading the reader from anguish to humor, hate to love, fear to faith. I enjoyed the story of the quilt, Hawaiian customs and terminology, the relationships that develop throughout, and surprises at the turn of a page. Not entirely believable, but who ever said that fiction has to be realistic? I found this to be an entertaining book!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Wynn-Wynn Media in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

CONTEST GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES:

Please leave me a feedback comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spammers. Share this review with your friends, and if you win this contest please leave a review at websites such as Deeper Shopping and Amazon once you have read the book. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

God's Great Plan

by Melissa Cutrera

Illustrated by Matthew Sample II

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Done!

Description

The story of Creation, Fall and Redemption is the central narrative of the Christian faith. God’s Great Plan uses simple, memorable rhymes to teach this story to young children. This valuable resource helps parents, grandparents, ministers, and teachers to share the gospel with the children in their lives. The color artwork will spark children’s imaginations and give them an entry point into the story, helping them to grasp the significance of God’s plan in their own lives. Anyone who desires to make the gospel more accessible and attractive to children will appreciate this book.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com $11.68

http://www.shepherdpress.com $10.20

Biography

As a missionary kid from Reunion Island, in the Indian Ocean, Melissa Cutrera (M.Div., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) began serving alongside her parents in her adolescence by ministering to children. In the years since, she has been a nursery director, assistant children’s minister, youth minister, public school teacher, and a French teacher to home school students. She enjoys writing curriculum for children and youth in the local church, and is an avid reader. She also enjoys hiking, board games, visiting museums and parks, playing ultimate frisbee, and discipling teen girls in her home. She is the mother of two young children and wife of a youth pastor husband, living near Salt Lake City, Utah.

My Review ~

This is a poetic narrative of God's plan, from creation to the fall, and finally redemption. The writing is descriptive and well done, written in an appropriate level of understanding for young children. This is an excellent way to present Christianity to children through the use of pictorial messages accompanying this poetic story. Beautiful illustrations were done by Matthew Sample, II. This is a very well done hardcover book for a reasonable price.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Shepherd Press through Cross Focus Reviews in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

The Promise

(#2 in The Restoration Series)

by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley
Review & GIVEAWAY of The Dance & The Promise

Revealed Secrets

Description

For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he's been hiding from his wife Jean--and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through two coffee shops and the library, using their wi-fi to search for a job on the Internet. The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage and it looks like the legacy that began with his father is still at work, slowly destroying the bond between Tom and Jean. Can their mutual trust--and love--be restored?

Combining the literary talents of Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of Gary Smalley, The Restoration Series pulls back the curtain of a family that has laid their foundation on shifting sand, but is slowly rediscovering genuine love and the power of forgiveness.

Purchase at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com $11.77
http://www.barnesandnoble.com $11.77
http://www.christianbook.com $8.99
http://www.deepershopping.com $9.74

Biography

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 9 novels, published by Revell and Guideposts, including The Unfinished Gift, The Reunion and The Dance. He has won 3 ACFW Carol Awards, 2 Selah Awards, and twice his novels have been named as finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Novel of the Year.

For those who haven't read Dan's books, reviewers often compare him to Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans. His latest project is partnering with Gary Smalley on a 4-book fiction series. The first book, The Dance, released in April 2013. It hit both the CBA and ECPA bestsellers list. The 2nd novel, The Promise, released in September. Dan served as a pastor for 25 years and now writes full time. He and his wife Cindi have been married 36 years and have 2 grown children, both married, and 1 grandson. They live in Port Orange, FL. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter, or read his blog, as well as preview all his books by visiting his website at http://danwalshbooks.com.

Biography

Gary Smalley is one of the country's best known authors and speakers on family relationships. He is the author and coauthor of 16 best-selling, award-winning books along with several popular films and videos. He has spent over 30 years learning, teaching, and counseling. Gary has personally interviewed hundreds of singles and couples and has surveyed thousands of people at his seminars, asking two questions: what is it that strengthens your relationships and what weakens them?

Gary's books combined have sold over 5 million copies. Many of them have even been translated into various languages. "The Blessing" and "The Two Sides of Love" have won the Gold Medallion Award for excellence in literature. "The Language of Love" won the Angel Award as the best contribution to family life. All other titles have been top-five finalists for the Gold Medallion Award.

In the last 30 years, Gary has spoken to over 2 million people in live conferences. He has been presenting his live two-day workshop, "Love Is a Decision," once a month for the last 20 years. Television audiences all over the world have viewed his award-winning infomercial, "Hidden Keys to Loving Relationships." Several versions of the infomercial--first with Dick Clark, then with John Tesh and Connie Sellecca, and also with Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford--have been aired. This 18-videotape series has sold over 4 million tapes.

Gary Smalley has appeared on national television programs such as "Oprah," "Larry King Live," "Extra," "The Today Show," and "Sally Jessy Raphael," as well as numerous national radio programs. Gary has been featured on hundreds of regional and local television and radio programs across the United States.

Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 40 years and live in Branson, Missouri. They have three children, Kari, Greg, and Michael, and six grandchildren.

My Review ~

Jim and Marilyn Anderson have reclaimed their marriage through prayer, hard work, love, and a new respect for one another. Their second honeymoon in Italy is the perfect celebration of a love renewed. Unbeknown to them, their oldest son lost his job five months earlier. He hadn't even confessed this to his wife, but continued to keep the schedule he had maintained in his previous job. He spent his days in the library and coffee shops searching the Internet for work, and coming up empty-handed. Bills mounted, bill collectors were hounding him, and his list of lies was ever growing. His faith was virtually nonexistent. What was to become of him, his wife and two young children if this pace continued? His lies and fear were overwhelming and taking a toll on his family, not to mention the effect it had on him as a man. How much longer could he keep up this deception? A family secret has yet to reveal itself, but a great uncle may hold the key to his recovery.

This second book in The Restoration Series builds upon The Dance and the marital discord that Jim and Marilyn experienced. As their marriage and faith are healing and their relationship growing, the family is once again placed in a crisis situation. Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley as a team, have delivered another successful story of family dissolution and how claiming God's promises can lead toward the discovery of true healing. Reality lives within the pages of this book regarding struggles of the human spirit. Through openness, communication and prayer, reconciliation is possible, and hope is the claim for the future. I have discovered after reading both The Dance and The Promise that thoughts of these family adversities and the healing that takes place have lingered in my mind. I think that reveals a very effective portrayal of life and the possibilities that are within our reach through faith, trust and hope.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

CONTEST GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES:

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Catie's Secret

by Laura Allen Nonemaker

4.0 out of 5 stars Good learning tool for young children

Description

Catie Caterpillar looks different from any bug Herbie and Bella have ever seen. When Herbie makes fun of Catie, Mayor Benny shows him why he should not judge anyone by how they look. In the end, Catie reveals a secret and the bunnies learn the joy of forgiveness.

Catie's Secret is the third book in Laura Allen Nonemaker's children's series, God's Secret Garden Adventures. Like the two previous books, Benny's Angel and Fred D's Amazing Escape, Catie's Secret invites young readers to join an exciting adventure while it teaches a valuable lesson.

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com $10.44 (prime)

https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-62510-123-5 $10.99

Biography

Laura began writing as a child in Bermuda when a favorite teacher had one of her essays published in a local newspaper. She is a contributing writer for Kentucky Monthly Magazine and her first children’s book, Benny’s Angel, was published in 2011. She is on the planning team for Artful Missions, which produces juried art shows and donates most of the proceeds to ministries that help women and children escape human trafficking. When Laura is not dreaming up her next God’s Garden adventure, she enjoys spending time with her large family.

Connect with Laura at:

Website: http://godsgarden.tateauthor.com

Facebook: Laura Allen Nonemaker

Twitter: @DigInGodsGarden

Linkedin: Laura Nonemaker

Blog: www.diggingingodsgarden.com

My Review ~

This is a story of two little bunnies, Herbie and Bella, who traipsed toward the clover in Peaceful Meadow. A beautiful butterfly landed on some morning glories, sipping at the nectar before it flew away. They began a game of hide and seek when Herbie discovered a yellow and black bug eating a leaf. She introduced herself as Catie, a caterpillar, and continued eating leaves. Herbie made some unkind remarks to Catie about her appearance. Herbie's Uncle Benny heard the commotion and scolded him, explaining that beautiful secrets lay within things that may appear different on the outside. Herbie felt badly that he had teased the caterpillar and thought he should apologize, but Catie was already gone. Days went by and the bunnies were unable to find Catie. One day they discovered a little sack hanging from a twig, and as the sack burst open a butterfly emerged. It gently touched Herbie's nose as it flitted away, and Bella pointed out that the butterfly's face looked just like Catie. Was the touch to Herbie's nose the touch of forgiveness?

This story of two little bunnies and a caterpillar portrays differences in appearance. One of the bunnies said cruel things to the caterpillar, pointing out she was a yucky color and a creepy bug, and weird. The other bunny begged him to stop being cruel. Their uncle pointed out that although there are differences in appearance, beautiful secrets lived within. Important lessons about diversity can be easily learned from this story through humility, remorse, and the need to apologize in order to receive forgiveness. This is a sweet little book with colorful illustrations. There is a page of story challenge questions to ponder at the end of the book, and a page of butterfly facts. This is a great learning tool for young children.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

The Dance

(Book 1 of The Restoration Series)

by Dan Walsh

& Gary Smalley

5.0 out of 5 stars What's easily torn down is difficult to rebuild...

Book Description

Jim Anderson is a successful businessman, and his wife, Marilyn, is the perfect wife. And why wouldn't she be? He gives her everything she needs. That's why Jim never expected to come home one day and find Marilyn gone.
After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn has had enough of feeling unloved and neglected. She wants to experience some measure of happiness before she's too old to enjoy it, even signing up for dance lessons, something Jim would never do. What will it take for Jim to finally become the man Marilyn needs him to be?

Combining the literary talents of bestselling author Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of bestselling author Gary Smalley, The Dance is the first novel in The Restoration Series. Readers will get caught up in these flawed but sincere members of the Anderson family as they rediscover genuine love and start a transformation that ultimately affects all of them.

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com $11.05 (prime)

http://www.barnesandnoble.com $11.12

http://www.christianbook.com $10.99

http://www.deepershopping.com $9.74

Biography

For those who haven't read Dan's books, reviewers often compare him to Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans. His latest project is partnering with Gary Smalley on a 4-book fiction series. The first book, The Dance, released in April 2013. It hit both the CBA and ECPA bestsellers list. The 2nd novel, The Promise, released in September. Dan served as a pastor for 25 years and now writes fulltime. He and his wife Cindi have been married 36 years and have 2 grown children, both married, and 1 grandson. They live in Port Orange, FL. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter, or read his blog, as well as preview all his books by visiting his website at http://danwalshbooks.com.

Biography

Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 40 years and live in Branson, Missouri. They have three children, Kari, Greg, and Michael, and six grandchildren.

My Review ~

Jim and Marilyn Anderson have lived in a relatively one-sided marriage since the day they wed and Jim refused to dance with Marilyn, both disappointing and embarrassing her. Jim's refusal to dance with her began a 27-year relationship based on Jim's priorities and demands with little regard for Marilyn's needs and desires. She was merely of a trophy wife, beautiful, the perfect hostess, and dutifully playing the role of a submissive wife. Extremely unhappy, Marilyn quietly leaves Jim in a search for peace and purpose. Jim's reaction to discovering that Marilyn has left him only results in escalating anger. His stress level is already out of control as a result of his struggling business. Both Christians, Jim can't believe that Marilyn would leave him, nor could he understand why.

As Marilyn attempts to work through her anger and unhappiness, she enrolls in a dance class. The freedom she feels as she learns to dance takes away some of the stress of her unfulfilled life. Jim is approached by Audrey, the former owner of the dance studio, and she convinces him to take private lessons from her. Her lessons run far deeper than just the basic dance steps. Audrey begins to open Jim's heart to his failings as a husband. As she weaves these lessons of a successful and happy, Christ-centered relationship with her lessons in dance Jim's fears and inability express himself are revealed. As she shows him these steps he begins to break down and discover the pain that he caused his wife and children, but wonders if he can overcome the damage that has already resulted.

This poignant fictional story of a struggling relationship is blended with examples for finding healing. Dan Walsh and GarySmalley have woven a tapestry of fiction and Christian instruction in making a weak marriage strong through the lives of Jim and Marilyn and the blunders of a disrespectful husband. Though Marilyn's character is portrayed in relative innocence regarding the failing marriage, the focus on Jim's lack of respect and concern for his wife is pivotal in revealing the ravages of a selfish nature, lack of respect, fear of failure and subsequent embarrassment. This book is both heartwrenching and heartwarming as these characters seek forgiveness and mercy in an attempt to find their way to a fulfilling relationship. Fortunately I have the second book in the series, and upon finishing The Dance, immediately began to read it. I'm looking forward to discovering the future for Jim and Marilyn's marriage and their relationships with their grown children.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received as a result of this review.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

A Christmas Homecoming

by MaryAnn Diorio

4 stars

Description

Seven Christmases have passed since Sonia Pettit last heard from her daughter Jody. Since Jody’s departure, Sonia’s world has been turned upside down. Her husband has died of a broken heart, and her son, bitter over his sister’s destructive actions, has become rebellious.

Her greatest desire is to have her family together at Christmas, but after what Jody has put them all through, can Sonia truly forgive her daughter?

Jody Pettit O’Dair ran away to experience a life of adventure and excitement, but since her
departure, her world has been turned upside down. She’s been abandoned by the man she met and married, lost her job, and is unable to care for her two children. With nowhere else to turn, this prodigal daughter begins the long journey home and prays she will be welcomed after walking away so long ago.

Will Jody find forgiveness in the arms of her family as easily as she received it from God?

This book can be purchased at the following locations:
Amazon | Christian Book Distributors | Harbourlight Books

Biography
Dr. MaryAnn Diorio is an award-winning author, novelist, and poet. She writes novels, novellas, short stories, and poetry for both adults and children. She is also a fine artist and works in oils, acrylics, pastels, colored pencil, and pen-and-ink.

In 1979, MaryAnn accepted the call of God on her life to become a writer. Since then, she has written several hundred articles, short stories, and poems that have appeared in over 100 national magazines, newspapers, and journals, including The Saturday Evening Post, Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine, The Press of Atlantic City, and Human Events. She also served as head writer for a regional television series entitled Teen Machine.
MaryAnn’s popular syndicated column, Winning with the Word, was published for several years in newspapers throughout the state of New Jersey. It is now published via the Internet. To subscribe to this free weekly devotional, click here.
MaryAnn has also served as a syndicated columnist for the AMY Foundation Internet Syndicate. She has authored five books: A Christmas Homecoming (Harbourlight Books, 2012), Selling Yourself On You: Discovering God’s Will for Your Life, A Student’s Guide to Nathaniel Hawthorne, A Student’s Guide to Herman Melville, A Student’s Guide to Mark Twain, and the e-book You Were Made for Greatness, and has been a contributor to seven others: My Turn to Care(Thomas Nelson), Religious Writer’s Marketplace (Abingdon Press)),The Young Generation Book of Short Stories, Rest Stops for Busy Moms, Rest Stops for Teachers (Broadman & Holman), The Heart of a Teacher (Bethany House), God Answers Moms’ Prayers (God Allows U-Turns series, Harvest House, 2005), and Mastering the Art of Success(Insight Publishing, 2011). MaryAnn has also authored five booklets:Dating Etiquette for Christian Teens, Balancing Your Budget God’s Way, Making Your Marriage Work, Writing Fiction for Children, andWriting Non-Fiction for Children.
In 1990, MaryAnn won the $4000 Third Place Award in the Annual AMY Writing Awards Program for her article entitled “From Feminism to Freedom.” Her short story entitled “The Birthmark” placed fifth in the 1990 National Writers’ Club Short Story Contest and ranked in the top 100 in the 1990 Writer’s Digest Short Story Contest. She has also received an Honorable Mention award from TAKE ONE Radio Theatre for a radio script. In 1992, she was awarded the Second Place Prize in the Novel Category at the St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference. In 2006, she placed third in the ACFW Genesis Contest Women’s Fiction category for her novel Sicilian Sunrise. In 2009, her novel placed second in the Inspirational Category of the East Texas RWA Southern Heat Contest. In 2011, her novel, under the new title of The Madonna of Pisano, won First Place in the Inspirational Category of the Colorado RWA Heart of the Rockies contest and First Place in the Inspirational Category of the Spacecoast Launching a Star contest. It also placed Second in the Historical Category of the 2011 Romance Writers’ InkWhere the Magic Begins contest.
MaryAnn has appeared on several radio, television, and Internet talk shows, including the popular Christian Authors Show with Danielle Hampson, the nation-wide LeSea Alive program hosted by the late Dr. Lester Sumrall, By the Book hosted by Debbie Williams, and Women of Grace hosted by Kelly McCausey. She has also been interviewed on WDAS (Philadelphia), WIBG (South Jersey), and WNNN (South Jersey). Articles about her writing have appeared in The Press of Atlantic City,The Daily Journal, The Millville News, The Bridgeton Evening News, and The Times Herald of her hometown of Norristown, Pennsylvania.
MaryAnn has served as a distinguished judge for the annual AMY Writing Awards Program, the annual Capitol Writers Writing Contest (Washington, DC area), the annual American Christian Fiction Writers’ Genesis Contest., and the ACFW First Impressions Contest. She is listed in International Who’s Who, Who’s Who in the East, International Authors and Writers Who’s Who, Dictionary of International Biography,The World Who’s Who of Women, Who’s Who in the World, The International Who’s Who of Professional and Business Women, The National Register’s Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who in Finance and Business. Most important of all, MaryAnn rejoices that she is listed in The Lamb’s Book of Life!
A graduate of the University of Kansas where she earned the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in French and Comparative Literature, MaryAnn also holds the Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) degree in Christian Counseling from Christian Leadership University. She has taught Italian at the University of Kansas, French at the Pitman High School in Pitman, New Jersey, English, French, Spanish, and Creative Writing at the Fairton Christian Center Academy in Fairton, New Jersey, French and Italian at Cumberland County College in Vineland, New Jersey, and Writing and Public Speaking at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. She also served as Assistant Professor of Italian and Spanish at Camden County College in Blackwood, NJ, as Adjunct Professor of Biblical Business Principles at New Life Bible College in Millville, NJ, as Adjunct Professor of Writing at Nottingham-Trent University (United Kingdom), and as Adjunct Online Professor of French at Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA. She is currently Online Adjunct Professor of Fiction Writing at Regent University.
MaryAnn has served on the faculty of several writers’ conferences, including the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference, the St. Davids Christian Writers Conference, the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers’ Conference, the Sandy Cove Christian Writers’ Conference, and The New Jersey Society of Christian Writers’ Seminar. She is a graduate of the three-year program of Rhema Correspondence Bible School, a diplomate of The Institute of Children’s Literature, a graduate of CLASS(Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speakers Services), a graduate of the Association of American Christian Counselors’ Light University’s Caring for God’s People program, and a graduate of The Life Coach Institute.
In 1984, MaryAnn founded Daystar Communications, later known as Daystar Ministries International. She ran this ministry until 2005, at which point it was incorporated into MaryAnn’s other ministries. In 2011, she changed the name to MaryAnn Diorio Ministries.
MaryAnn owns and operates TopNotch Communications Group, LLC, a multi-service firm with three divisions that provide writing, coaching, andtranslation services for individuals and businesses. MaryAnn is also a Certified Life Coach, a Certified Behavioral Consultant, and a Certified Biblical Counselor as well as a gifted Bible teacher and speaker whose heart’s desire is to help people become all that God created them to be.
In her Life Coaching practice, MaryAnn helps people–especially writers, artists, and business owners–define their mission in life and fulfill it. You can learn more about MaryAnn’s coaching services atwww.TopNotchLifeandCareerCoaching.com.
Dr. MaryAnn is a member in good standing of the following organizations:

For all that God has done and continues to do in her life, MaryAnn gives Him all the praise and all the glory!

My Review ~

Christmas has arrived once again, and Sonia Pettit prays she will find her daughter back home with her family. Seven years earlier Jody left home with no explanation aside from a brief note stating that she needed her own space. She left behind her mother, father and 15-year-old brother who were devastated, having no idea where she might be or if she would return. Grief totally consumed her father, eventually leading to his death attributed to a broken heart. Her mother has prayed daily for Jody's return, and every Christmas her highest hope is to see her daughter walk up the sidewalk to the front door. Her brother, however, retreated into his own world of video games, eventually going to college where his last year has been spent partying and drinking. His feelings toward his missing sister are bitter and unforgiving. Experiencing the effects Jody's leaving had on the family over the years he is angry that his mother would even hope for her return. When Jody's life crumbles around her she wonders if her family would welcome her home after all this time. This story is based on hope, forgiveness and grace surrounding the selfish acts of a self-indulgent daughter.

Mary Ann Diorio has written a short story of a family consumed with anguish over the absence of their only daughter. The characters in this story are a bit under developed due to the brevity of the story, but it's a heartwarming story of hope that is based on a mother's capacity to forgive. This is a great little Christmas story that can be read in an evening relaxing beside a fire with a hot cup of cocoa. Hope, forgiveness and grace shine through in difficult family circumstances.

Disclaimer: I received an electronic copy of this book through Book Fun at The Book Club Network and Pelican Book Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Picturing Fayette

A Nineteenth-Century Company Town

by Fred and Donna Winters

A Michigan Ghost Town

Book Description

Fayette Historic Town Site in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers visitors a step back in time to a nineteenth century company town. Here, nestled beneath a towering limestone bluff on Lake Michigan, the Jackson Iron Company operated two iron smelting furnaces. From December 25, 1867 to December 1, 1890, hot iron poured forth into casting houses, was cooled and separated into “pigs”, and shipped to Ohio aboard schooners.

Today, several original structures give testimony to Michigan’s industrial past—from the laborers’ log cabin, to the managers’ salt box homes, to the “Big White House” on the bluff that was occupied by the superintendent. In the center of all these stands the working core of the once-thriving village—the furnace stacks, casting houses, company store, warehouse, town hall, company office, machine shop, and hotel.

Through the pages of this book, tour this fascinating open air museum that offers million-dollar views of the harbor, bay, and quaint remnants from nearly 150 years ago. Quotes from newspapers of that era serve as captions, bringing the town to life.

Fayette Historic Town Site is without a doubt one of the best-preserved company towns in America and a gem of Michigan history that is unlike any other.

ISBN 978-0-923048-54-9 Trade Paperback, 8.5″x8.5″; 24 full-color pages.

This book can be purchased at the following locations: Buy the paperback from Amazon for $9.50 (shipping is free with Amazon Prime), the Kindle version from Amazon for $2.99, or $.99 with purchase of the paperback.

At CreateSpace (https://www.createspace.com/4437288) purchase for $10. Receive a 20% discount with the following code: 2VG6LQXQ

Purchase directly from GreatLakesRomances.com for $10 includes tax and shipping. (906)644-7610

There’s a side benefit to buying Picturing Fayette. All profits will go to The Friends of Fayette Historic Town Site to assist with historic preservation of the buildings there.

About The Author

Fred and Donna Winters have spent more than twenty years photographing Fayette Historic Town Site, studying its history, writing stories about its nineteenth-century era, and publishing titles for Fayette enthusiasts. Over time, they have accumulated a wealth of knowledge, resources, and first-hand experience with this Upper Peninsula gem. Picturing Fayette is but a small slice of the information and images they have to share. Fred Winters spent over two decades teaching American history and a lifetime studying Michigan’s role in our nation’s past. His fascination with Fayette Historic Town Site caused him to choose this Upper Peninsula location for retirement living, and in 2003 he and his wife and dogs moved next door to Fayette Historic State Park, the location of the historic town site. Donna Winters has written sixteen historical novels including three set at Fayette Historic Town Site during its company town era (1867-1891). Her research library includes historic newspapers from the area, archival documents from the State of Michigan about Fayette, and a large number of regional history books that enable her to bring history to life for her readers. From her extensive resources she has culled the most relevant and fascinating tidbits of history to bring Picturing Fayette to life for readers.

My Review ~

"Picturing Fayette" is a beautiful pictorial story of a 19th century industrial town, once a thriving village built around the Jackson Iron Company. Remnants of the original village still exist in one of the most beautiful settings on Lake Michigan. Now a historic site in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan several original structures can be visited as an open air museum. Numerous pictures of the buildings of this once thriving community nestled in the harbor between limestone cliffs create an ambiance of a what was once an active community of iron workers. Pictures representative of Michigan's four seasons include the birth of spring and luscious warmth of summer, along with the grandeur of autumn hues, and crystalline snows of winter's frozen touch. Newspaper quotes add to the "stories" these pictures tell.

As a lifelong resident of Michigan, this pictorial story of Fayette is a memorable tour for me, as I have visited this ghost town numerous times over the years from as far back as I can remember. "Picturing Fayette" is an invitation and call to return to this gorgeous area rich with history. Revisiting Fayette is a new priority for the coming year. Once you have experienced the grandeur of this area it beckons you back time and time again. These pictures speak a thousand words, and these million-dollar views of the harbor and bay are priceless! I can see this book used in the classroom as students study the history of Michigan. This book is timeless and for all ages!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. Thank you, Fred and Donna Winters!